After returning to Changshou Palace, Xie Xun complained to Fengyu about the Beiman High Priest, "He said the secret dicine was lost, I don’t believe it for a mont, he clearly wants to make a high demand. If this secret dicine could be lost, then if the conditions were right, he could certainly find it back. Ayu, help think of a way, I can’t let this charlatan have his way."
Fengyu had long anticipated such a consequence, and Xie Xun’s decision to send Dugu Jing to investigate was destined for such an outco, yet he stubbornly refused to believe in the chance.
"This High Priest devotes his life to the Heavenly God, does not marry, have children, nor has parents or siblings, living alone in poverty. Such a person is the hardest to manipulate, devoid of desires. Now the only thing you can negotiate with him is the temple itself. Be sincere in your negotiations, and if his demands are excessive, you can bargain."
"The key issue is he refuses to make a proposal, insisting that I show vulnerability first. Very cunning. If I reveal my bottom line and he agrees, I could let it go, but I suspect he’ll push once more below that line, since he is more in need of the secret dicine."
"There’s no way around it; his possession is rare and irreplaceable, allowing him to inflate the price. If you don’t want to negotiate, I’ll help you." Fengyu suggested.
Xie Xun shook his head, knowing just where the limit lay. If Fengyu were to negotiate, things might turn sour, as the High Priest might feel slighted or neglected, viewing it from his position as dismissive when a woman approaches to negotiate. But he doesn’t realize Fengyu stepping in signifies Xie Xun’s deeper concern on the matter.
Xie Xun wanted the High Priest’s secret dicine and didn’t want to cause misunderstandings. He could only hold back.
Fengyu said, "Then go ahead and sulk by yourself!"
"How could such an important secret dicine be stolen?" Xie Xun was utterly perplexed. Originally stored in the Beiman Palace, safeguarded by Prince Jingbei, it surprisingly was stolen and its whereabouts remain unknown. Xie Xun preferred to trace who had stolen the secret dicine, offering gold, silver, jewels, fine silk, and satin rather than compromise with the temple regarding the High Priest’s demands.
He knew too well what the High Priest wanted!
But he couldn’t yield!
If he did, what would the courtiers think? An abrupt change of command would severely damage his authority, hence Xie Xun absolutely couldn’t agree.
Fengyu expressed lightly, "I also think that the matter of the temple cannot be compromised, as it concerns the nation’s foundation and roots. Tomorrow, I will help you discuss it with Dugu Hongying; she’s well-acquainted with such matters. If a reconstruction is feasible, you need not worry anymore."
Fang Lingjun felt a stirring at heart when she heard Dugu Jing ntioning the possibility of going to Sannan; she had been wanting to go to Sannan but never found a suitable excuse. Now with Dugu Jing going to Sannan, she wanted to accompany him, worried about potential mishaps with Fang Chuning in Sannan. With Dugu Jing’s presence, she hoped for extra assurance.
"It’s not appropriate!" Dugu Jing frowned, "Would your mother agree to you accompanying to Sannan? Unaccompanied together for months?"
Mrs. Fang seed to be very stern.
"You... idiot!" Fang Lingjun cursed, stomped her foot, and left. Dugu Jing was utterly confused, why was he suddenly being cursed? Indeed, won are unpredictable creatures!
Prince Jingbei felt troubled upon hearing it; how could his brother be so clueless?
If Fang Lingjun were to go to Sannan with him, their marriage would be inevitable. Currently, the priority was for Dugu Jing to obtain the secret dicine and deliver it to Sannan for Xie Jue.
Though he considered Xie Xun’s concerns sowhat excessive, he understood them well due to having close kin himself. After conferring with the Princess, Prince Jingbei resolved to seek a sincere discussion with the High Priest.
The Princess asked, "Prince, are you really content? To willingly bow your head in subservience like this?"
At her questioning, Prince Jingbei fell silent for a long ti, "Were it not for Beiman’s frigid and inhospitable environnt, yet our forces cannot breach Ningzhou’s borders anyti soon. Discontent accompanies . But destiny dictates this; ignoring the lives of millions results only in tribal annihilation. Surrender ensures the survival, allowing future generations continual flourishing. Unlike Yuwen Jing, Xie Xun is a good emperor; Beining is prosperous and peaceful, providing refuge in return for kindness. Furthermore, you know how my body has long been depleted, uncertain how many years remain. Eventually, you all would need Xiao Jiu’s protection. Only when Xiao Jiu prospers can you prosper too. I can’t indulge in bygone glories, unable to extricate myself, lest I sink deeper. Now my sole wish is for you all to live peacefully, for Xiao Jiu to stand firmly and protect you in the days to co, that’s all I seek."
At his words, the Princess’s eyes turned slightly red, nearly shedding tears. Having married Prince Jingbei for many years, bearing children for him, she knew his ambitions and strategies. Ending in this manner may not be without regrets; yet, it’s arguably the best conclusion.
"Alright, I’ll accompany you!"
United in a marriage, ant sharing joy and hardship, Princess Consort Jingbei wholly supported his decision.
Sannan, Mudan City.
Han Ziqi led Xie Jue and Fang Chuning out of the flower house, Fang Chuning was slightly displeased, "Princely Heir, I’m enjoying music and leisure with Ting Feng, what does it matter to you? Why take us out?"
Han Ziqi smiled, "No misunderstanding, if it’s enjoynt you seek, you’re surely in the wrong place. I’m taking you to a fantastic spot where you’ll certainly be captivated."
Fang Chuning and Xie Jue exchanged a glance but didn’t refuse, Han Ziqi gave a knowing smile and invited them into a carriage; Fang Chuning and Xie Jue were confident Han Ziqi wouldn’t plot against them, their presence in Mudan City ensured honest negotiations, any breakdown exposing true intentions.
The carriage traveled for fifteen minutes, arriving at a tranquil and secluded courtyard, situated amidst bustle with excellent location. In front, stood the busiest trade market; separated by a stream was serenity enveloped by quiet courtyard.
Yellow lanterns hung before the courtyard; Han Ziqi led them through a fog-encased Nine-Curved Pavilion, then two nimble, handso boys, seemingly twelve or thirteen years old with affectionate expressions, greeted them, resembling the girls who’d greeted them at Chunfeng House.
Fang Chuning, "..."
Xie Jue, "..."
Now they understood what place Han Ziqi ntioned.
A place like this was eye-opening; not in Beining, nor in Beiman, nor ever in the liberally-cultured Ningzhou would there have been male brothel courtyards. If soone truly dared to open such a place, they would be humiliated publicly, drowned by scorn; unimaginable that Sannan housed such places, and Han Ziqi being accustod to it.
A slightly taller boy smiled, trying to hook Fang Chuning’s arm; he deftly avoided, his expression sour and grim, "Princely Heir, what do you take and Ting Feng for?"
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